In tonight's journey with young Jotham, we discover a profound truth about the nature of God's discipline and mercy. As Jotham and his friend Bartholomew navigate life at Qumran, we witness a powerful lesson when a clay urn shatters on the ground. The rabbi's response illuminates something beautiful about our Heavenly Father: there's a world of difference between willful disobedience and honest mistakes. This distinction matters deeply in our spiritual lives. God doesn't punish us for stumbling as we learn and grow; rather, He extends mercy and grace. The passage from Psalm 32 reinforces this truth, reminding us that God instructs and counsels us with watchful care, surrounding those who trust Him with unfailing love. As we journey toward Christmas, we're invited to reflect on the ultimate expression of this mercy: Jesus himself. God's response to our brokenness wasn't condemnation but incarnation. He sent His Son not to punish our mistakes but to redeem our willful rebellion when we turn back to Him in repentance. This evening's story challenges us to examine our own hearts: Are we approaching God with humility when we fall short? Are we extending the same mercy to others that He so freely gives to us? The beauty of this message is that it starts right in our own homes, with the people closest to us.